Could you tell us a little about your background and how you became a writer?
Early in my life, I struggled with writing until I discovered children’s books. I quickly progressed from picture books to chapter books. For a long time, I focused my writing on issues plaguing the world and how we could address them. I knew that no matter what I chose to do as an adult, it would involve helping people become the best versions of themselves. Although I was teased for being kind, I never let that stop me. In college, I met my first group of genuine friends through two non-profit organizations focused on mental health: S.H.I.N.E. (Students Helping Ignite Needed Esteem) and Westville Warriors. After attending several events with them, I became an officer of the group. We brainstormed ways to spread positive messages to children, which led to the creation of the Kindness Adventures series, starting with Karis the Kitten and the Tail of Kindness and Zuri the Zebra and the Rainbow Race for Kindness.
Could you walk us through your creative process? It doesn’t have to be overly detailed—maybe just your frame of mind or some little rituals?
It’s amusing because I don’t have much of a ritual when I write, except that I need to work in a completely quiet room! My mind is usually blank when I start writing because the words flow from me like a river once I begin. Writing has become second nature to me. When I started my poetry manuscript, I worked page by page on Microsoft Word, focusing on the Acknowledgements, Foreword, and dedication pages first. I prefer writing in order to ensure I don’t miss anything. While setting up my poetry, I’d go back and forth between the Index and the poems to note their page numbers and titles. Formatting and structure are very important to me—especially how my writing appears to others—so I prioritize those first. Then, I let myself run wild on the page, switching to focus on formatting at other times.
How do you choose the subject matter for your work? Do you draw inspiration from your daily life and emotions, or do you look to books, music, or other media? Or is it a mix of both?
The subject matter in my work is inspired by the people I’ve met throughout my life. Since my poetry manuscript is memoir- and self-help-driven, many of my poems focus on the philosophies I learned in college, the people who influenced me the most, and my emotions. As a neurodivergent individual, much of what I write is rooted in the depth of my deeply held emotions and beliefs about people. I believe in the inherent good in people before recognizing any negative aspects. I often draw from my own courage and the challenges I’ve overcome to become the person I am today. My poetry is reflective right now, but in the future, I may explore themes of nature and philanthropy—standing up for those who are misunderstood. I also draw inspiration from books and movies, particularly Neo-Noir films like Chinatown and Citizen Kane, as well as Gone with the Wind for its themes of women’s empowerment. Books like Sula by Toni Morrison and The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton have taught me how to write about marginalized cultures and experiences in a culturally proficient way. Video games have also influenced me, including the Kingdom Hearts franchise by Square Enix, The Legend of Zelda series by Nintendo, and the Octopath Traveler series on Steam. These role-playing games help me weave empathy and plot-driven elements into my poetry, especially when creating connections between people or linking stanzas.
How do you navigate self-doubt or creative block in your creative journey?
This is a really good question! I navigate self-doubt by stepping back and taking a break from writing to spend time with my family or friends. Self-care is also essential, so I read to reignite my inspiration. The people in my life fuel my creativity, but I also find it helpful to sit with writer’s block and read about authors who have shown courage. For example, when I read poetry books like R.H. Sin’s work, I absorb his messages about women’s empowerment and the challenges he’s overcome, such as homelessness and heartbreak. Realizing what others have faced puts my own writing into perspective. Since I write extensively about mental health, philosophies, and analyses of the media I consume, I need those moments with writers who have overcome their struggles to understand how to push forward.
If your work were an emotion, which one would it be and why?
If my work were an emotion, it would be contentment. I feel that when readers encounter my work, they feel seen and recognized in the situations I describe. Given the divisions in the world right now, I believe readers will see themselves in how I present my anxiety, neurodivergence, empathy, happiness, and the challenges I’ve persevered through. In one way or another, we all experience some of these feelings and feel out of place at times. My goal with my poetry is to show that we should focus less on finding where we belong and more on being ourselves—the right people meant for us will follow. My poetry aims to be a shield of comfort for those struggling with anything in their lives, reminding them that it’s okay not to have all the answers right now and encouraging them to turn to those who care about and love them for support. Overall, the theme that threads my work, along with the sense of contentment, is helping people learn to love themselves.
Do you believe art can change the world? If so, how?
I believe art changes the world every day. There are moments when we don’t always 'see' change, but that kind of change is the most significant. It’s the kind of change that festers in your stomach and travels to your heart, waiting to be unleashed but unable to hold on much longer. This 'unseen' change, which quietly builds, can move mountains when released. When I had my articles published, I was shocked to learn that one of the poets I wrote about now follows me—that moment made me realize how powerful writing can be. In oppressive times or when we face decisions that negatively affect us, writing that speaks about kindness or supports targeted communities is more monumental than some might realize. It’s astonishing that something like supporting others in their time of need or promoting kindness has become controversial. However, I’ve learned that if something is controversial, we need to talk about it more than ever. Kindness is often undervalued, but that won’t stop me. Persistence is the medicine to solve any problem in the world, and I’ll keep writing about these subjects to continue pushing for a world of kindness.
Can you share more about your writing journey and the impact it has had on you personally?
Writing for children has brought me immense joy because I can still vividly recall the magic of my own childhood. It has sustained me and, alongside my supportive family, lifted me up during times when I struggled with anxiety. Writing gave me tools to heal the inner child in me that was bullied, and those tools have also allowed me to reach out and inspire other children. When I read my first book to a first-grade class, I knew I had to continue writing. Now, I’ve written a poetry manuscript focused on overcoming past doubts to achieve a successful present, and I’m working to get it published. I’m also starting another manuscript centered on the future and new beginnings.